Design Engineer

Design Engineer-New Product Development

Location: White House, Tennessee

Compensation: $80,000–$95,000 annually

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Schedule: On-site

Position Overview

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking an R&D Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and improvement of products used within residential and commercial HVAC and construction applications.

This is a hands-on, design-engineering position with significant involvement in product modifications, prototype development, engineering analysis, and laboratory testing. The R&D Engineer will lead projects through the product-development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through validation and market introduction.

Key Responsibilities

- Design and develop new products and product families for residential and commercial applications

- Lead product design modifications to improve performance, functionality, manufacturability, quality, and cost

- Organize and lead stage-gate projects for new product development

- Develop concepts, models, engineering drawings, and prototypes using SolidWorks and AutoCAD

- Create and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing, machine shops, internal production resources, and outside vendors

- Perform finite element analysis to evaluate product performance and identify potential design improvements

- Plan and conduct laboratory testing for design verification, validation, and product performance

- Analyze test results and recommend appropriate design modifications

- Apply mechanical engineering principles, sound engineering judgment, and structured problem-solving techniques

- Manage projects from initial concept through production and market introduction

- Translate business and customer requirements into actionable engineering objectives

- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, operations, sales, suppliers, and other internal stakeholders

- Prepare and maintain technical drawings, specifications, reports, test documentation, and project records

- Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes for new and existing products

- Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines

- Support continuous-improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing and Kaizen activities

- Ensure all work complies with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

- Travel occasionally, including potential overnight stays

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline

- At least three years of relevant product design, R&D, or mechanical engineering experience

- Professional experience using SolidWorks for 3D modeling and product design

- Working knowledge of AutoCAD

- Experience developing, modifying, or improving manufactured products

- Experience with prototype development and product testing

- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, laboratory equipment, and measurement tools

- Ability to create and interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation

- Strong project-management, problem-solving, and organizational skills

- Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

- Self-motivated, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with finite element analysis, preferably SolidWorks Simulation

- Experience developing HVAC equipment, mechanical systems, construction products, piping products, or related equipment

- Experience managing projects from concept through commercialization

- Familiarity with stage-gate or structured new-product-development processes

- Experience with CAD/CAM tools

- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and Kaizen methodologies

- Experience with 3D printing, machine-shop processes, design verification, and validation testing

- Three to five years of related engineering experience

Interview Process

- Initial phone interview

- On-site interview with the hiring team